Force Awakens Composer John Williams Talks Writing Rey and Kylo Ren’s Themes, Drops Hints at What’s in Store for Both Characters
If music be the food of hype, play on.
In an interview with The LA Times, Star Wars’ genius composer John Williams talks in-depth about returning to the franchise and being inspired by the “freshness” of J.J. Abrams’ take on the galaxy. He also spoke about composing for Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, and the character traits he hoped to convey through their themes. SPOILERS TO FOLLOW; GET THEE TO A THEATER BEFORE YOU READ WHAT MR. WILLIAMS HAS TO SAY.
Saying that he “fell in love immediately with Daisy Ridley […] she is just a superstar born,” Williams explained that Rey’s theme is purposefully similar to the iconic Force Theme, with which her theme combines in The Force Awakens credits. Williams also didn’t want Rey’s theme to hint at romance (that’s for Poe and Finn’s scenes together, I’m assuming):
It’s an interesting challenge with her because it doesn’t suggest a love theme in any way. It suggests a female adventurer, but with great strength. She’s a fighter, she’s infused with the Force, and it needed to be something that was strong but thoughtful.
Speaking of Kylo Ren, Williams went on to say
There’s a more ruminative part that is usually done softly. I don’t think it portrays any particular weakness, but possibly hesitancy. But then there’s the motif that’s often strong, that seems to be the embodiment of evil. I thought that it should be a relative of Darth Vader, but also something entirely different in terms of melody.
To learn more about Williams’ history with the franchise and what it was like for him to collaborate with Abrams, head over to LA Times.
(via Eric Geller on Twitter)
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